STOCKPORT County's new keeper Brad Jones is confident of forcing his way into the first team.

STOCKPORT County's new keeper Brad Jones is confident of forcing his way into the first team.

But the Perth-born Australian knows he will have his work cut out against regular No1 goalkeeper and namesake Lee Jones.

However, the 20-year-old Aussie, who was on the bench for Stockport's 4-0 win over Northampton on Friday night, believes he has every chance of proving his worth at Edgeley Park for the remainder of his contract.

"I have come here to play first team football," Jones said.

"I just want a chance to get in. Lee looks a good keeper, but obviously I want to play first team football.

"It's been really good since I've arrived and the lads have been very friendly with me.

Palmer gets his man

"My aim is to get some experience, and that wasn't the case while I was at Middlesbrough."

Jones had been on player-manager Carlton Palmer's pending list for a few months now.

But the Middlesbrough man, who played for Bayswater in his home country for four years before a move to England and the Premiership, injured himself at the start of the season and was unfortunately pushed out to the sidelines.

However, when Palmer's move for Southampton's Alan Blayney fell through, he returned to the Riverside to sign the gifted Australian on a month's loan. "I spoke to Lee Jones and we both admitted that he could have done a lot better," said Palmer.

"We need a new keeper, and that is why I have brought Brad in. He is a very promising young player and competition for places is healthy."

Brad added: "I was playing in Australia before I got signed at Middlesbrough, but I was just playing youth team and reserve team football there.

"I want to play regularly in the first team. I want to make the step up to show what I'm capable of."